What are the advantages of salt/sand for roads?

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

Salt and sand help extremely well in a situation when it's either icy or there is slush on the road. The salt will actually melt ice on the road and the sand will work to provide a bit more grip on the road so you don't slide all over the place.

Answer by  twyla158 (82)

During winter snowstorms, salt melts the snow which allows drivers to use the roads to drive. For some mild snowstorms, you can even avoid shoveling the snow using salt. Both sand and salt work great on sidewalks, porches and steps allowing consumers to avoid slip and fall accidents due to slipping and sliding from snowy and icy conditions.

Answer by  lgk (2426)

If you live in a colder climate, the salt/sand placed on the road keeps it from icing over, and prevents accidents. In hotter climates we really don't have much use for it.

Answer by  Lordschild (1398)

On an icy or snow packed road the sand and salt provide some grit so your tires won't spin or slide quite as easily. The salt will draw some moisture to it which makes a brine that will melt the snow or ice off the road. Sand can be used to keep oil roads from getting slick in the summer.